What Should the New York Yankees Do with Andy Pettitte, David Robertson?

If I Were a Yankee Fan I would be happy about the return of Andy Pettitte, but for a different reason than most. The rotation looks a lot different from expected when Joe Camel signed back in March. The Yankees need a hero, and they are looking for #46 to turn back the clock.

That is not much to hang your hat on. But “I don’t want to be a hater no more”, I see a light at the end of the tunnel for Mr. Pettitte. Andy had a 1-2-3 inning in the fifth. And the private emails that I had with Joe seemed to make more sense to me. Andy Pettitte: interim closer.

I know that Yankee fans are in love with David Robertson. It is easy to see why, he has been dominant in the 8th inning this season. But there is a reason why pitchers that end the game get paid so much more than set up men: coffee and big cash is for closers. Robertson has not proven that he can handle the pressure that comes with the big time yet. The Yankees are no longer a team that can afford a training wheels period, the AL East is competitive from top to bottom.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

Don’t make bullpen depth, the strength of the Yankees this early season, weaker by moving Robertson up. Andy has shown he can handle the pressure. He has also shown that his stuff is not what it used to be. He is now a “fool me once, hope for the best the next time through” pitcher. He has the guile and guts, but not the virility. (And you know he is not about to take anything questionable given his history…sorry, could not resist).

The Yankees can always buy another starter. Give Andy the best chance to come out of this comeback with some dignity, and fill a need at the same time. If I were a Yankees fan, that is what I would want. Thankfully I have a soul, and my team the Tribe is in first place.